Volunteers sought for St. Johns River Cleanup

In the last seven years, thousands of volunteers have collected tons of trash during annual cleanups of the St. Johns River.

The good work continues this year March 20. Volunteers are sought for the Annual St. Johns River Cleanup, said Chris Benjamin, environmental coordinator for the St. Johns County Solid Waste Management Department.

"Trash is not inert. It contains chemicals which pollute the water. Its very presence may prevent sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, thereby destroying habitat. It poses dangerous obstacles to navigation. Marine mammals, birds and fish die from ingesting it," Benjamin wrote in a statement.

In some years, volunteers have collected as much as 20 tons of garbage, Benjamin said. At the initial cleanup in 1996, they collected more than 10 tons in four hours, he said.

The St. Johns River and its network of waterways, including Julington, Durbin and Cunningham creeks, are natural features which make unique and wonderful contributions to the quality of life in northwestern St. Johns County, Benjamin wrote.

The cleanup will start at 8 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. at 13 locations in the county. Bags, gloves and supplies may be picked up in advance or at the cleanup headquarters at Trout Creek Park on State Road 13.

Cheap food and live music will be available at Trout Creek Park beginning at 11 a.m. in celebration of the event, Benjamin said.

Benjamin suggested comfortable clothes and shoes and the use of hats and sunscreen for protection. All volunteers will be issued safety vests and gloves and orange plastic trash bags will be supplied, he wrote.

The cleanup will be held rain or shine.

Registration forms can be found at the St. Johns County libraries, the St. Johns County Annex off Race Track Road, local schools, or from the solid waste department.